STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli said that only Sir Bruce Forsyth will know when it is time to step down as host.

The veteran entertainer sparked fears he could miss the later stages after pulling out of rehearsals on Friday night because of illness.

It has been rumoured that this will be the 84-year-old’s final year presenting the programme and results show host Claudia Winkleman stepped in midway through the series after Sir Bruce took a week off in the middle of a long run of shows.

Bruno, 57, said: “Bruce is very professional. He won’t let his audience down and will know when he can’t deliver any more.

“But he is a national treasure and it is only up to him to make that decision. The show would miss him terribly. He is an autumn and winter treat. I’d certainly miss him – I have such a giggle with him. But we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. I haven’t heard anything though – I’m always the last to know!”

Bruce is very professional. He won’t let his audience down and will know when he can’t deliver any more

Bruno

The BBC is already casting about for a new Strictly presenter to succeed Sir Bruce. While Graham Norton is still seen as a fancied candidate, the bookies’ favourite is ­ballroom specialist Anton Du Beke.

A TV insider said: “Anton is known as ‘Son of Bruce’. He adores Bruce too and plays golf with him. The public loves Anton. He’s got broad appeal. Older viewers like him and kids think he’s hilarious.”

Bruno also issued a public plea for 29-year-old Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge’s shapely ­sister, to join next year’s cast. She has purportedly been offered a five-figure fee.

He said: “She has got a great bottom and would look amazing in those dresses.”